As veterinary care for cats is becoming more and more sophisticated and as more cat guardians understand the importance of a lifetime of preventive care, cats live longer lives. But despite all of that, cats still get sick, and when they do, there are often numerous treatment options. However, some illnesses are considered terminal, and in the past, euthanasia was often the only option pet guardians would consider at that stage. An alternative to premature euthanasia that is garnering more attention in the world of pet care is hospice care.

Hospice care is about providing good quality of life

The definition of a terminal illness is an illness for which there is no cure. It is an active, progressive, irreversible illness with a fatal prognosis. Hospice care provides a loving alternative to prolonged suffering and is designed to give supportive care to cats in the final phase of a terminal illness. The goal is to keep the cat comfortable and free of pain, with a focus on quality of life and living each day as fully as possible.

The decision to stop treatment and begin hospice care can be made at any point in the progression of a terminal illness. Decisions may range from choosing to forego aggressive surgery after receiving a cancer diagnosis because of a poor prognosis, discontinuing chemotherapy or radiation because the cat is either not responding or is dealing with side-effects that are rapidly diminishing his quality of life, or discontinuing medications because medicating the cat is difficult or impossible for the cat owner. Rather than opting for euthanasia, cat owners may choose to provide hospice care for their cat.

Hospice care is not about giving up

Hospice care is not a last resort, and is not about giving up, or about dying. It’s about finding ways to live with a terminal illness, and it may actually involve providing more care and not less. The decision to provide hospice care should be made in conjunction with your veterinarian, who will become an integral partner in the process.

Nutrition and Hydration: Provide easy access to food and water. You may need to experiment with special foods to tempt ill cats. In addition to feeding a high quality, grain-free canned or raw (if you cat is immunocompromised, raw food is not recommended) diet, you may need to offer foods such as meat-based baby food (make sure that there is no onion powder in the brand you buy), tuna juice or flakes of tuna spread on top of the cat’s regular food, and slightly warming the food to increase palatability. Make sure the cat always has fresh water available.

Cleanliness: Sick cats may not be able to groom themselves. Assist your cat with this by gently brushing, and keeping eyes, ears, the area around the mouth and around the rectum and genetalia clean if she can’t do it by herself anymore.

Pain Management: Cats are good at hiding pain. Watch your cat for signs of pain – subtle signs may involve hiding, avoiding contact with family members, or changes in sleeping positions. Rarely will cats vocalize when they’re in pain. Work with your veterinarian to develop an appropriate pain control program for your cat.

Holistic Therapies: There are many non-invasive, gentle holistic therapies that can provide relief to terminally ill cats. Energy therapies such as Reiki, Healing Touch, Tellington Touch and others are particularly effective.

A time of peace for cat and human

Despite the logistic and emotional challenges hospice care presents for cats and their humans, it can also be a time of great peace and increased bonding with your beloved feline companion. It also allows for a gentle preparation for the impending loss for both cat and human. Diagnosis of a terminal illness does not have to be the end – it can be the beginning of a deepening, peaceful, final phase of life for both cat and human.

34 Comments on Hospice Care for Cats

Karen Laszlo

July 28, 2016 at 6:16 pm (3 years ago)

We just buried our eldest cat after he succumbed to cancer.
I want you to think about WHOM benefits from hospice…
Puttaput was 15 when he started to rapidly lose weight. Like, more than 50% in 3 weeks. Never ill a day in his life; when the Vet showed us his x-ray, without words, we saw his hell.
It sucks to have to put a pet down, and financially merciless, in fact…anyhow, we decided to hospice him. Mistake.

Puttaput hovered between bad & worse for 3 weeks. He stopped eating anything but deli turkey, if he ate at all. He stopped eating 7 days before he died.
He was a tap drinker, so I would carry him to his sink & then groom him. It was pitiful.
He was the alpha in our cat trio, and trust me, you could feel his anguish.
When he could no longer stand, I would carry him to his favorite perches. I began to tell him it was ok to let go; that I would be there.
On his last day, he let out a loud meow & I just knew it was time.
I scooped him & held him in my arms & in 5 short breaths he was gone.
But I kept my promise. I was there.
But never again…
Ask your Vet for an “at home” primer. Is there anything to help your cat avoid languishing? Is it really worth prolonging the inevitable? For whom should be your next question.

Claire

January 20, 2013 at 11:34 pm (6 years ago)

My 15 year old cat Squeaker has a tumor in her mouth that is spreading. After a blood test, the vet determined she also has kidney failure. He does not think he could get the whole tumor out and also that the anesthesia of surgery would be hard on her kidneys. I do not know how she will die with this tumor growing on one side of her mouth and jaw. She still wants food and is getting up to eat, drink, and use the litter box. But the tumor is definitely getting bigger and she is getting thinner. We are giving her subcutaneous fluids every day for her kidneys. It seems a very bad way for her to die and I don’t know what to do. Is there any way to manage this to avoid euthanasia, which I do not want to do?

I’m sorry about Squeaker’s tumor, Claire. This is a tough cancer to manage even with hospice care, and it’ll require you to be very vigilant to even subtle changes in her. As long as she’s eating, drinking and using her litter box. This is such an individual decsion, and there are no hard and fast rules. Based on what you’re telling,e as long as she seems comfortable to you and wants to interact with you, it’s probably okay to keep going. I understand your misgivings around euthanasia, but it can actually be a very peaceful way to die – especially if done in your home. This article provides some help on what goes into making this difficult decision: http://consciouscat.net/2011/08/22/euthanasia-the-loneliest-decision/ You’ll also find some other articles in the pet loss section on this site that may be helpful to you. All my best to you and Squeaker as you assist her with this last phase of her life. My heart goes out to you.

Brittney

Elizabeth f

April 22, 2018 at 11:09 am (1 year ago)

Our cat, Holly, too, has a huge tumor in her mouth. She has significant bone loss. Thus, making it too risky for removal as they would have to remove the right side of her face as it is deeply impeded in her bone.

She has been craving dairy products as I’m assuming cats much like humans and know what foods their bodies need. In Holly’s case, calcium. She eats sour cream, ice cream, and likes milk. She was a very finicky cat. I’m trying everything just to get her to eat. She sometimes will eat the hospice canned food up to five plates a day, but other times it’s a struggle.

My sister is always worried about her getting her gabapentin. Her pain med. So am I, but I’m also worried about her not eating. We open the capsule and put it in her food and then I add bone gravy and warm it up. If Holly doesn’t eat, she doesn’t get her pain med. it’s my sisters cat. Holly allows her Mom to do things like pick her up, give her pain meds, etc. I’m her Aunt. I get to love her, take her outside for walks, feed her, but her comfort with me different than her Mom who was with her for 13 years.

I’m thinking getting her to eat anything is a blessing and if her pain med has to be done orally, go that route. What do you think?

Holly sometimes goes in hiding. She pulls at the tumor in her mouth all day long as if she is trying to remove it. She still enjoys getting pets, cuddling, and purrs still and most of the time she follows you around looking for nurturing. She really seems to enjoy sitting outside with the smell of flowers, herbs and plants for a few hours out of the day surrounding her so she appears to be Still enjoying her days. Of course, I’m outside with her. We go for our walks. We have a fenced in yard so she is well protected. Then, she’ll hunker down on a nice patch of grass and sleep.

I have to say this is very hard. Holly and I are together much since Sis works outside of the house. We just lost our brother tragically as a result of a car accident. Now, for me now also taking care of a hospice cat………very sad and hard times…….that often times I just look at her and cry. I keep wondering if this is good for Holly. Also, it’s my sisters cat. Although I take care of her more typically than my Sister, I am not the main decision maker and my Sister makes that clear.

Do you have any recommmendations? Anything else I could do for Holly? You’ve had the same experience with your beloved Squeaker! How is Squeaker doing?

Gainor

December 5, 2012 at 11:20 am (6 years ago)

Dear Ingrid,
Baby passed away very gently this morning at 1:52. The meds relaxed him, and only one dose lasted about 15 hours. He stretched out a few times and was taking deep slow breaths. I picked him up to reposition him as I did several times before when he would stir. I held him awhile as I usually did and thanked him for being my Baby, praised him for being such a good and sweet boy, told him I loved him and that it was ok to let go, that God was there to take him home with St. Francis. His heart was so strong, even to the surprise of my vet the day before, that I thought it would be hard for him to go. To my surprise and relief, he passed a few minutes later.

Yes, hospice works for cats. Mine have passed on their own given what they need to make it easier, except those who died suddenly.

I have referred this site to friends and Facebook. I’m thankful you were there when I had questions in the middle of the night! That’s when we are alone and begin to doubt what to do. Each passing is a bit different. I wanted him to have what was best.

I’m so sorry about Baby, Gainor, but I’m glad he passed so peacefully, and with you there. I know it’s hard when they pass, but to have the memory of such a peaceful transition is something that will help as you mourn his loss. You did a wonderful thing for him.

Gainor

December 4, 2012 at 2:32 am (6 years ago)

Thank you for allowing us to consult you as we try to ease our friends through this process. I searched and found this site. It has comforted and supported me.

I am sitting at this moment next to my 14 and 1/2 year old “Baby”, born in my closet of a Mom and Dad (Paula and Charlie) who adopted me. Paula is still living, but Charlie died of this a few years ago at the vet ER. Baby (named because of his sweet disposition) is in the end stage of kidney failure and has been getting subcutaneous fluid for the last two weeks. Today, my vet showed me how to administer it at my request and we brought the bag home.

But Baby did not perk up from this morning’s subcu as usual. He was wobbling trying to get to his litter pan. He took a few laps of tuna juice, his favorite thing, ate a bite of food, then slept the rest of the day. He is uninterested in food and water now and just getting up to turn himself. I’ve offered him tuna juice in a dropper several times during the day, but he wouldn’t take it. I’ve decided to leave him alone now and not administer the fluid he was supposed to get tomorrow. I will keep him on my chest through the night as I have done for others. They went peacefully. One had convulsions, but this time I will put a teensy speck of Xanax under his lip. I have Tramadol for pain, but he seems relaxed.

He has a little girlfriend kitty who is sitting by his side. I named her Angelina because she has kept him company all along. She’s like his guardian angel. I think she is going to miss him greatly. To me, euthanasia is an abrupt death, so I hope Baby will pass peacefully this way.

When my brother was dying at home, our hospice nurse told us that the body knows how to die. It shuts itself down in stages, and she led us all through the process as we tended him. He did indeed die peacefully.

I’m sorry about Baby, Gainor. It sounds like he may be ready to leave. As long as he’s not in pain, I don’t see any problem with allowing Baby to pass naturally. Just be aware that cats are masters at masking pain. You may want to consult with your vet as to whether you should give the Tramadol, even though Baby seems relaxed. All my best to you as you accompany Baby on his final journey.

Gainor

December 4, 2012 at 8:15 am (6 years ago)

I will do that, Ingrid. He is still with us. The night passed uneventfully except for him trying to reposition himself. He also tried to get up when he had to pass urine. I just held him upright and he went on a towel. Since he is so thin, I had him in a fleece lined cushioned bed with another fleece blanket under him. I had the whole thing on me, then laid him next to me, as any movement on my part woke him up. I guess he’ll go sometime today.

Thanks, Ingrid for responding with your suggestion. It was so helpful to find this site!
I’ll suggest it to others.

Kit

July 20, 2012 at 5:26 pm (7 years ago)

I found this site today looking up cat hospice. It’s nice to get confirmation that I’m doing the right thing keeping my cat home to die in peace instead of throwing her in a box and hauling her to the vet an hour away to “put her to rest”. She would be totally freaked out. She will be much happier at home with me and the dog.

Emily

March 20, 2012 at 5:37 pm (7 years ago)

This is one of the websites I consulted in the last few days. Thank you for the information. My sweet 21 year old tabby girl Alexis took her last breaths as she lay on my chest last night. I am glad there is information about hospice care for pets- It totally fit my desires. Although I had never lost a pet before, I knew when she would die within 24 hrs of when she did… she made some quick cries that she had not made before, and she couldn’t walk on her own any more. Remember that your pet will probably urinate or deficate when it dies, and my experience is that the last breaths were not peaceful… she gasped deeply 3 times. It has been less than 24 hours and I think I feel more at peace than I would have if I had her euthanized.

I’m so sorry about your Alexis, Emily, but I’m glad she was with you when she died and that you feel at peace. A vet once told me that when cats take those final, agonal gasps, they’ve already lost consciousness.

Kathy

February 10, 2012 at 1:11 pm (7 years ago)

I am in a hospice situation right now with one of my cats and I have a question. He has HCM that has progressed to the stage of congestive heart failure. I want to be able to let him go gently and at home, but the potential for a cardiac “crash” or a blood clot are great. We live a long way from veterinary care (45 minute drive) so there is the possibility that he could suffer greatly if either of these things happen.

I am looking into at home euthanasia but struggle to know “when”. Do you have any suggestions for this type of situation?

My heart goes out to you, Kathy. Buckley had restrictive cardiomyopathy, and I, too, feared the possiblity of a clot. I eventually had to make the euthanasia decision for her for other reasons. I cover her specific story in more detail in my book, but here’s a post I wrote about making the euthanasia decision: http://consciouscat.net/2011/08/22/euthanasia-the-loneliest-decision/ I hope it’ll help you.

Sharon II

November 18, 2011 at 9:34 pm (8 years ago)

My cat was just diagnosed with cancer with probable metastasis. I have chosen to take her home on pain medication. My vet wanted me to give her subcutaneous fluids at home, but I refused. My vet was not happy with my decision.

I have worked with “humans” on hospice. Dehydration is a peaceful way to die. With the electrolyte imbalance, they go into a euphoric state. Is this the same with cats?

Sharon, I’m sorry about your cat. I don’t think there are significant differences in cats physiologically when it comes to the effects of dehydration. I know it’s a controversial topic in human end of life care.

Giving a sick cat subcutaneous fluids can contribute considerably to helping them feel better. Depending on how ill you cat is at this stage, it may be a viable option if your cat easily accepts the procedure.

The big difference between cats and humans with this is that with cats, we do have the option to choose euthanasia, rather than waiting for dehydration to get to the point where it leads to death. It’s a very difficult decision, and one only you can make. There are a lot of factors that will come into play with this decision, from your own personal belief system to your cat’s temperament. You know your cat better than anyone else, and you will know if and when she is ready to let go.

My heart goes out to you – this is such a difficult time, but it can also be a time of an even stronger connection between the two of you. Treasure every moment you have with your cat.

Sharon II

November 20, 2011 at 1:29 pm (8 years ago)

Ingrid, I can’t thank you enough for your support. Everything you said is what I needed to hear. This is a new experience for me. I raise chickens and have a “mind-set” when they die, but this sure is different.

My cat, Sika, has not eaten or drank essentially anything for the last few days. She also has not had a stool or urinated. She does not seem to be in any distress and will still purr occasionally. A hard question to ask and answer, but do you know how much longer she has to live?

It sounds like Sitka’s body is starting to shut down, but based on what you’re sharing, it sounds like she’s comfortable. It takes courage to do what you’re doing: allowing the dying process to unfold naturally. I couldn’t even begin to tell you how much longer. You’re in my thoughts.

clara elton sharp

August 22, 2011 at 9:22 pm (8 years ago)

I am a hospice nurse for humans, which the same principles apply for pets. The purpose is comfort, both for the patient, and the family.
My nursing experience has helped me in situations with my own pets. I had a 15 yr old GS-x, who had chronic dermatitis and lowered immunity. I thought she was ready to go three years ago, but my wonderful vet suggested increasing prednisone. She lasted until this past March.
I could see a decline the last few months, but I knew she would let me know. One day I got home, and she was lying in stool and urine, crying.
That day, I took her in a beautiful basket with lots of thick padding to the vet, and held her while he administered the euthanasia.
Never for one moment have I regretted waiting, nor knowing the right time. She had it her way.
I put some of her ashes in the Gulf of Mexico, where much of her youth was spent, and she loved being there. One last trip there last Christmas was well spent.
RIP, my sweet beautiful Enya.

That’s wonderful that you were able to give Enya so much additional time via hospice care, and to let her determine when it was time to leave. You sound very much at peace with everything, which is a real gift.

clara

L. Liebman

June 30, 2011 at 1:46 pm (8 years ago)

Can anyone tell me where to find hospice care for a cat in or near New York City? I am asking on behalf of an elderly woman who is now too ill herself to care for her beloved cat who is dying of cancer. Please respond to lliebman@jarvie.org. Many thanks!

Kerri

April 5, 2011 at 9:35 am (8 years ago)

I am interested in more information on at-home hospice care. Our cat was just diagnosed with aggressive cancer. Becasue of her age, we are looking at alternatives to simply artifically prolonging her life through multiple painful surgeries. I used to work at a people hospice and wondered if such a thing was possible for our cat.

I am glad to see that I am not the only one and delighted there are so many experts who have gone this route. I have many, many questions. For example, what things do I need to talk with my vet about and what things should I be listening for?

How do I determine my cat’s level of pain and what should I look for to distingush pain from too much medication? (We’re not interested in a zombified cat, just a comfortable one.)

Can she have cat nip while on medication? She loves this stuff.

Finally, we are looking into offering a Kitty Memorial fund in place of what we would have spent on multiple surgeries. How do I dertermine the best way to donate these funds?

I’m sorry about your cat’s diagnosis, Kerri. I think hospice care can be one of the most rewarding times we spend with our cats if we allow ourlvselves to go through the experience consciously, and it sounds like you’re doing exactly that.

I think it’s helpful to talk to your vet about what to expect as far as the typical progression of your cat’s particular cancer. What kinds of things can you expect physically? What is a normal part of the disease, and what constitutes a true emergency? Find out whether there are any medications you should have on hand. Can you call your vet during business hour with questions and concerns? Who should you call after hours?

Pain management is one of the most important aspects of hospice care. None of us want our cats to be in pain. Unfortunately, cats are masters at hiding pain, so pain in cats can be very hard to assess. You may find some helpful information in this article by Dr. Lorie Huston: http://consciouscat.net/2010/12/06/pain-management-for-cats/

I’ve never heard of catnip interfering with any medications, but it might be a good question to ask your vet! I’m thinking if your cat loves it, let her have it! This time is all about making your cat as happy as you can, given what she’s dealing with.

I think a kitty memorial fund is a wonderful idea. There are a lot of different charities that might be appropriate. The Animal Cancer Foundation is one that immediately comes to mind. If your cat came from a private shelter or rescue group, making a donation in her honor to them is a lovely way to celebrate your cat’s life.

I hope this helps. I’m wishing you all the best as you take this journey with your cat.

Sharon

March 1, 2011 at 6:42 pm (8 years ago)

I just happened to find out about pet hospice today and was especially interested in cat hospice. Don’t know why this subject never came up before because it truly is a blessing for pets and for their human companions. I would very much be interested in sponsoring something like this. Whoever thought of doing this truly has earned their angel wings. God bless you.

I think hospice for pets, and cats in particular, is gradually becoming more widely known. I believe the American Association of Feline Practitioners recently published a position paper on the topic. I also think that many cat owners have been doing this for a long time, but just didn’t put a hospice label on it. Hopefully, now that more people are becoming aware of it as an option, those who are caring for terminally ill cats will receive more support.

While I was still working at the Colorado State University Veterinary teaching hospital, the Argus Institute there was responsible for starting a hospice program. They are still running strong with vet student volunteers spear-heading the program. It’s a wonderful service and one that I would certainly consider using if I needed that support!

Marg

July 19, 2010 at 9:39 am (9 years ago)

Those are great facts about Hospice care for your sick cat. I have done this many times in my home but just never put a name on it. It can be a very bonding time to take care of an old or sick cat. The cats become your best friend and it does prepare you for the loss of your animal. But the fact that you have made the cat more comfortable during it’s illness is a wonderful thing.